360 degree camera mount and related photographic and video system

ABSTRACT

A camera holding assembly that is configured to hold a plurality of cameras in a predetermined orientation includes a support having a plurality of receptacles. Each of the receptacles include at least one feature enabling a camera to be releasably retained therein as well as at least one and preferably at least three attachment features configured for enabling the camera holding assembly to be secured to another object. The receptacles are oriented about the support so that each camera, when loaded into the defined receptacles, is aimed in a different angular orientation. Images obtained from each retained camera can be stitched to create either a composite 360 degree×180 degree full spherical image or a composite 360 degree composite image of a scene of interest.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. Ser. No.14/072,656, filed Nov. 5, 2013, entitled: 360 Degree Camera Mount andRelated Photographic and Video System under relevant paragraphs of 35U.S.C. §120, which claims priority under relevant portions of 35 U.S.C.§119 to U.S. Ser. No. 61/722,497, entitled: A holder that supports sixcameras in special configuration to allow the ability to shoot 360degree video and photos, filed Nov. 5, 2012 and U.S. Ser. No.61/750,491, entitled: Dome Converter, filed on Jan. 9, 2013, the entirecontents of each of the above-listed applications being incorporated byreference herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to the field of photographic andvideo systems and more specifically to a holding assembly and relatedmethod for enabling spherical or cubical 360 degree still photographsand/or moving video using a supported plurality of conventionalphotographic cameras that are independently supported and maintained bythe holding assembly and in which images can be captured in a variety ofdifferent environments for processing a plurality of image formats.

BACKGROUND

It is known that 360 degree (e.g., spherical or cubical) stillphotographs or moving videos of a scene of interest can be obtainedusing very sophisticated equipment. Such equipment is prohibitivelyexpensive and clearly not within the budget of average consumers or evensmall companies that are desirous of obtaining 360 degree images.

There is an ongoing and pervasive need to provide a more versatile anduser friendly system that adaptively retains a plurality of conventionalphotographic cameras in order to permit 360 (spherical or cubical)degree still photographs or moving videos to be obtained, throughcompositely created images and in a plurality of image formats, such asHD and 3-dimensional, among others. It is a further desire to provideproviding increased functionality and versatility for such a system,providing adaptability depending on the application or desires of aparticular user, including functionality in a varied number ofenvironments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Therefore and according to one aspect, there is provided a holdingassembly configured to releasably retain a plurality of cameras in apredetermined orientation, the holding assembly comprising a support anda plurality of camera receptacles disposed in a spaced arrangementcovering a 360 degree field of view, the camera receptacles includingbeing configured for supporting a camera and including at least onefeature that enables a camera to be releasably secured. The systemfurther is configured to synchronize each of the outputs of thesupported cameras in order to create either a 360 degree by 180 degreefull spherical composite image or a 360 degree composite image, whichcan be either still (photograph) or moving (video) utilizing a plug andplay configuration that permits removal of the cameras as well as accessthereto, if needed.

According to at least one version, the frame can include at least four(4) camera receptacles, the at least four receptacles being disposedalong a common plane of the holding assembly and defining a retainingcavity that is sized to retain a camera. Each of the camera receptaclesfurther include at least one feature that permits securement and releaseof a retained camera, as needed, for replacement or repair. In oneversion, the camera receptacles include a latch that is configured toopen and close to secure a camera within the holding assembly.

The holding assembly further comprises at least one and preferably threeattachment features for enabling the holding assembly to be secured toanother object, such as a connecting rod, a tripod, or other mountingapparatus.

In another version, a plurality of camera receptacles can be disposedalong the common plane as well as above and/or below the defined plane,thereby enabling greater versatility of resulting images of at least onescene of interest. Still further and according to at least one version,the camera receptacles of the holding assembly can be selectivelyadjusted in terms of their relative position. For example, the camerareceptacles can be attached to the ends of arms that are extendable froma center supporting structure of the holding assembly. According toanother version, the extending arms can be pivotally attached to asupporting structure.

In at least one preferred version, images captured by the plurality ofretained cameras are combined to create a composite 360 image usingimage stitching techniques, whether as a still image or as a video. Theherein described holding fixture can be further configured to permitoperation in a plurality of different environments, such as for aquaticand aerial scenes of interest, among others.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method for enabling a360 degree by 180 degrees full spherical image of a scene of interest,the method comprising the steps of providing a holding assemblycomprising a plurality of camera receptacles, each receptacles beingconfigured for retaining a camera wherein the cameras are configured toprovide a composite field of view of spherical 360 degrees.

In brief, the herein described apparatus differs from what currentlyexists. Other known devices require six (6) or more cameras in which thecameras are at least partially disassembled to be fitted within theconfines of a defined enclosure in a fixed orientation. Moreover, thecameras are fixed into the assembly, not in a plug and playconfiguration. They are extremely expensive and their cameras cannot beremoved and used for other purposes without tearing down the enclosureand reconstructing the cameras to allow serviceability.

The present holding assembly on the other hand is configured to retain aplurality of medium or small cameras, which are removable, therebymaking the fixture and cameras more versatile in terms of theirfunctionality and portability. The holding assembly also has multipleholding or attachment points located on the device, such as along edges,sides or corners to allow the device to be fixed in multiple positionsto take either the best video or photo depending, upon the particularmode in which the cameras have been programmed. Providing multiplepositions and opportunities for multiple holding or attachment positionspermits the operator to be hidden at different distances in the eventual(final) photograph or video due to camera viewing parallax.

Various embodiments are herein discussed. Commonly, each of theseembodiment as discussed herein, preferably include the followingfeatures:

1. A plurality (preferably 6 or more) of small to medium photographiccameras.

2. A holder assembly;

3. a wired or wireless connection that connects each device via a remotecontrol or actuable element in which each camera is synched for commonoperation by an operator; and

4. Various mounting positions for the holding assembly in order toenable different orientations.

In brief, the plurality of retained cameras snap into variousreceptacles that are defined in the holder assembly that accommodateeach camera based on an interference or snap fit, enabling easy removal.Preferably, the receptacles are defined by a moldable plastic or othersuitable material having adequate flexibility to permit a secure fitwhen the camera is attached. One preferred material is a flexible nylon.Each receptacle according to this embodiment accommodates the camera andincludes a portal that further accesses the lensing portion of theattached camera, allowing for an unobstructed view of ascene/environment to be photographed or videotaped. A button on a remotecontrol of the wireless connection is configured to synch with andpower/control features of all of the retained cameras on and/or off atthe same time. Alternatively, the cameras can be similarly controlled bymeans of cabling (not shown) interlinking each of the retained cameras.

The holding assembly allows the retained cameras to be positioned in acubical or spherical manner so they can take video and photos facing ina plurality of different angled orientations depending on the number ofcameras supported. By way of example, six, seven, ten and twelve camerascan be suitably retained. In at least one version, stereographic (3D)images can be realized. The wireless connection allows the device toturn on or off via a mechanical switch or remote control device separatefrom the wireless connection. The holder ensures that the cameras arepositioned in the proper location.

It should be noted that the present design is exemplary. For example,the arms of the holding assembly can be designed to permit the length ofthe arms to extend. For example, a plurality of extending arms can beconfigured to extend proportionally in all directions simultaneously.

Each of the above noted holding assemblies are configured to retain apredetermined number of photographic cameras in a cubical or sphericalfashion to allow the cameras to take video and/or photos simultaneously.The holding fixture as described herein in accordance with each of theprior described embodiments allows each of the retained photographiccameras to be releasably disposed into a repeatable position along withwireless remote control connection to operate each camera at the sametime.

An advantage provided is that of providing an affordable apparatus thatpermits the use of a plurality of conventional photographic cameras inorder to create 360 degree images, whether still photographs or movingvideo.

Other advantages that are realized are that the herein describedapparatus is reliable, durable, adaptable for use in a variety ofenvironments and is easy to assemble and use.

Yet another advantage realized is that the herein described assemblyeasily permits the inclusion of updated or replacement cameras and/orimaging software, as needed, and on the fly.

The holding assembly also can provide a number of accessible areas thatpermit easy access to attach data, video or power cabling as well asdata cards, without having to remove the cameras from the assembly.

In addition, the herein described holding assembly provides a plug andplay configuration that permits an operator to change cameras easily andwithout requiring external tools, such as a screwdriver.

The herein described holding assemblies can also be suitably used forpurposes of underwater and aerial environments. In an underwaterenvironment, a plurality of cameras can be suitably retained, eachincluding the use of an adaptive dome converter, in order to permit asuitable field of view to be maintained in spite of the refractiveeffects created by water and enable full spherical images to beproduced.

In an aerial environment, the herein described holding assemblies can beprovided in at least one version as part of an assembly that is capableof flight akin to a helicopter and having a set of rotors that permitshovering. In at least one version and due to “blind” spots in an arrayof retained 360 degree spherical cameras, the resulting spherical orfull 360 degree×180 degree full spherical image will appear withoutinterference from the rotor assemblies, which are specifically disposedwithin the blind spots of the assembly. As a result, the resultingimages, such as moving 360 degree spherical video, advantageously appearas though the apparatus is “floating” or levitating in air.

According to yet another version, a three-dimensional viewing effect canbe created using holding assemblies that mount cameras in tandem (sideby side) to produce a stereoscopic effect as to resulting images andcreate a depth of field with regard to each of the tandem camera lenses,which act in concert to produce the desired effect.

These and other features and advantages will be readily apparent fromthe following Detailed Description, which should be read in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1( a) is a front perspective view of a camera holding assembly fora 360 degree imaging apparatus that is made in accordance with anexemplary embodiment;

FIG. 1( b) is a top plan view of the camera holding assembly of FIG. 1(a);

FIGS. 1( c) and 1(d) are side elevational views of the camera holdingassembly of FIGS. 1( a) and 1(b);

FIG. 1( e) is a bottom perspective view of the camera holding assemblyof FIGS. 1( a)-1(d);

FIG. 1( f) is a perspective view of the camera holding assembly of FIGS.1( a)-1(e) having cameras loaded therein;

FIG. 2( a) is a front perspective view of a camera holding assembly inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2( b) is a top plan view of the camera holding assembly of FIG. 2(a);

FIGS. 2( c) and 2(d) are side elevational views of the camera holdingassembly of FIGS. 2( a) and 2(b);

FIG. 3( a) is a front perspective view of a camera holding assembly inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3( b) is a top plan view of the camera holding assembly of FIG. 3(a);

FIGS. 3( c) and 3(d) are side elevational views of the camera holdingassembly of FIGS. 3( a) and 3(b);

FIG. 3( e) is a top perspective view of an alternative camera holdingassembly similar to that shown in FIGS. 3( a)-3(d) having additionalnumber of cameras loaded therein;

FIG. 3( f) is a top perspective view of another alternative cameraholding assembly capable of retaining ten (10) cameras.

FIG. 4( a) is a front perspective view of a camera holding assembly inaccordance with yet another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 4( b) is a top plan view of the camera holding assembly of FIG. 4(a);

FIGS. 4( c) and 4(d) are side elevational views of the camera holdingassembly of FIGS. 4( a) and 4(b);

FIG. 4( e) is a side perspective view of the camera holding assembly ofFIGS. 4( a)-4(d) having photographic cameras loaded therein;

FIG. 5( a) is a perspective view of a camera holding assembly inaccordance with another exemplary embodiment having a plurality ofphotographic cameras retained thereon;

FIG. 5( b) is a rotated perspective view of the camera holding assemblyof FIG. 5( a), illustrating the removal of at least one photographiccamera;

FIGS. 5( c), 5(d) and 5(e) depict various side views of the cameraholding assembly of FIGS. 5( a) and 5(b), including a plurality ofretained cameras in preferred orientations;

FIG. 5( f) is a rotated perspective view of the camera holding assemblyof FIGS. 5( a)-5(e), in a partially assembled condition;

FIG. 5( g) is a perspective view of the camera holding assembly of FIGS.5( a)-5(f);

FIG. 5( h) is the perspective view of the camera holding assembly ofFIG. 5( g) with a plurality of photographic cameras attached thereto;

FIG. 6( a) is a portion of a support for a camera holding assembly madein accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 6( b) is a portion of an alternative design of a support for acamera holding assembly;

FIG. 6( c) depicts the attachment of receptacles to the support of FIG.6( b);

FIG. 6( d) is an assembled perspective view of camera holding assembly;

FIG. 6( e) is a partially exploded view of the camera holding assemblyof FIG. 6( d);

FIG. 6( f) is another assembled view of the camera holding assembly ofFIGS. 6( d) and 6(e);

FIG. 6( g) is an alternative exploded assembly view of a camera holdingassembly;

FIG. 7( a) is a perspective view of a portion of a camera holdingassembly in accordance with another exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 7( b) is a partially assembled isometric view of the camera holdingassembly of FIG. 7( a) with cameras attached thereto, one camera beingshown as unassembled;

FIG. 7( c) is another partially assembled perspective view of the cameraholding assembly of FIGS. 7( a) and 7(b);

FIG. 7( d) is a rotated perspective view of the camera holding assemblyof FIGS. 7( a)-7(c);

FIG. 7( e) is a partially assembled perspective view of the cameraholding assembly of FIGS. 7( a)-7(d);

FIG. 7( f) is the assembled camera holding assembly of FIG. 7( e);

FIG. 7( g) is a perspective view of a camera holding assembly of FIG. 7(a) as used for supporting a plurality of cameras for use in a differentenvironment;

FIGS. 8( a) and 8(b) are exploded views of a dome converter as used witha photographic camera housing enabling a retained photographic camera inthe housing to be used in an aquatic environment;

FIG. 8( c) is a exploded assembly view of various components of the domeconverter of FIGS. 8( a) and 8(b);

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a camera holding assembly having aplurality of cameras that are adapted for aquatic use with the domeconverters of FIGS. 8 (a) and 8(b);

FIGS. 10( a), 10(b) and 10(c) are various views of an apparatusincluding a camera holding assembly in accordance with another exampleand more specifically relative to an apparatus that enables use in anaerial environment with a plurality of supported cameras;

FIG. 10( d) is an enlarged view of the apparatus of FIG. 10( a)-10(c)FIG. 10( e) is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIGS. 10(a)-10(d);

FIG. 11( a) is a bottom perspective view of a holding assembly used inanother aerial enabling apparatus;

FIGS. 11( b) and 11(c) are perspective views of other aerial apparatusincluding multiple photographic camera holding assemblies;

FIG. 12 depicts another use for a camera holding assembly having aplurality of supported photographic cameras as part of a head-wornapparatus;

FIG. 13 is a front facing view comparing a single camera housing for usein a holding assembly with a housing configured to retain a pair ofcameras in tandem and illustrating a stereoscopic effect of same;

FIG. 14 depicts an exemplary camera holding arrangement that includes aplurality of tandem camera housings of FIG. 13 and enables 360 degree by180 degree full spherical three dimensional imaging of a scene ofinterest;

FIG. 15( a) is a front perspective view of an exemplary camera holdingassembly that retains a plurality of photographic cameras and isconfigured for stereoscopic imaging;

FIG. 15( b) is a top plan view of the camera holding assembly of FIG.15( a);

FIGS. 15( c) and (d) are side elevational views of the camera holdingassembly of FIGS. 15( a) and 15(b); and

FIG. 16 is a work flow diagram relating to a process for obtaining a 360degree image or video using the camera holding assemblies and inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following describes various exemplary embodiments of a systememploying a holding assembly that can be used to support a plurality ofphotographic cameras in order to obtain spherical 360 degree stillphotographs or moving video of a scene of interest, as well ascontemplated modes involving same. Because the embodiments are exemplaryin nature, it will be readily apparent to one of sufficient skill thatcertain variations and modifications will be possible employing theinventive concepts discussed herein. In addition and throughout thecourse of discussion, several terms are used in order to provide asuitable frame of reference with regard to the accompanying drawings.These terms, which can include “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”,“inner” “outer”, “above”, and “below” among others are therefore notintended to be limiting of the invention, except where so specificallyand clearly indicated otherwise. The drawings are also provided toillustrate salient features of the present invention, but are notnecessarily to scale for purposes of interpretation. Examples ofdimensions that are noted in this disclosure are also intended to bemerely exemplary as to the concepts discussed throughout and with regardto the appended claims.

According to a first exemplary embodiment and with reference to FIGS. 1(a)-1(f), a holding assembly 100 is defined by a supporting fixture ormember 108. FIGS. 1( a)-1(e) depict the holding assembly 100 alone,while FIG. 1( f) depicts the holding assembly 100 having a plurality ofindividually retained photographic cameras 180.

The supporting fixture 108 of the herein described holding assembly 100is defined by a center axial column 112 having a plurality of radialarms 116 extending outwardly from the center column 112. According tothis specific embodiment, a total of seven (7) radially extending arms116 are provided, each of the arms 116 including a proximal end 117 thatis integrated with the center column 112 and a distal end 119 that isintegrated with a camera receptacle 124. A corresponding number ofcamera receptacles 124 are provided, each arranged circumferentiallyabout the center column 112. Alternatively, the arms 116 could beconnected by fasteners or other means to the center column 112 asdiscussed in greater detail in other embodiments. The shape andconfiguration of the radially extending arms 116 can also be suitablyvaried, provided the camera receptacles 124 are stably supported. Forexample and according to this embodiment, the extending arms 116 areeach commonly defined by a substantially cylindrical configuration.

In this specific embodiment, the holding assembly 100 is entirely madefrom a durable lightweight material such as nylon or other flexiblethermoplastic polymer, having sufficient stiffness for enabling stableretention of a plurality of cameras as discussed in greater detailinfra. In at least one version, the supporting fixture 108 andreceptacles 124 can be manufactured using a suitable molding process, asa one-piece assembly, such as shown more specifically in FIG. 1( e). Itwill be readily apparent, however, from the discussion that follows thatother suitable materials could alternatively be utilized formanufacturing either the entire holding assembly 100 and/or portionsthereof.

According to this embodiment, each camera receptacle 124 is transverselydisposed relative to the major axis of each corresponding radiallyextending arm 116 and circumferentially disposed within a single(horizontal) plane. The specific features of a camera receptacle 124 areherein described which includes an enclosure having an interior that issized to receive a photographic camera 180, FIG. 1( e). One specificcamera that can be specifically used herein is a GoPro™ Hero3™ camerasold by Woodman Labs, Inc, which is capable of capturing stillphotographs or video and in which the camera's operation can becontrolled remotely, including wirelessly. The camera receptacle 124 isdefined by an open end 126, a top wall 132, an inner side wall 134 andan outer side wall 136 that is substantially parallel to the inner sidewall 134. Opposite the top wall 132 and disposed against the inner sidewall 134 is an edge protrusion or stop 147. In passing, it should benoted that the terms “top”, “inner” and “outer” are for purposes of thisembodiment and in accordance with the views as they appear in FIGS. 1(a)-1(e). Depending on a specific mounting scheme, for example, theherein described holding fixture 100 could be inverted wherein the “top”walls effectively become “bottom” walls, etc. To that end, theserelative terms are maintained throughout the disclosure when referringto various types of receptacles and/or portions of a holding assembly.

An integral engagement latch 129 depends laterally and inwardly from theend of the outer side wall 136 opposite the open end 126 of the camerareceptacle 124. This latch 129 includes a depending tab portion 130having an outwardly tapering configuration at one end that releasablyengages a slot 137 provided adjacent the inner side wall 134.

Referring to FIGS. 1( a)-1(f), the outer side wall 136, according tothis embodiment, is a partial wall section extending over only a portionof the length of the inner side wall which further includes an opening144. The top wall 132 also includes a through opening 140.

According to this exemplary embodiment and as shown in FIG. 1( f) eachphotographic camera 180 is inserted, as shown, into the open end 126 ofa camera receptacle 124 of the herein described holding assembly 100 bydisengaging the tab portion 130 of the releasable engagement latch 129from the slot 137 in order to hingably open a flap-like portion of thecamera receptacle 124 that includes the outer side wall 136 and thedepending engagement latch 129. The back side of the camera 180 isplaced against the inner side wall 134 wherein the camera 180 is placedbetween the top wall 132 and the edge protrusion 147. When properlysituated within the receptacle 124, the outer side wall 136 is flexiblyengaged against the top surface of the camera 180 and the tapering tabportion 130 of the engagement latch 129 is secured within the slot 137,to create a closed enclosure. The defined opening 144 in the outer sidewall 136 is sized to receive the extending cylindrical lens barrel 182of the photographic camera 180 such that the lens barrel 184 extendsoutwardly through the opening 144 when the receptacle 124 is closed.When assembled to the holding assembly 100, the opening 140 in the topwall 132 permits access to the connection ports of each retained camera180, as needed to permit cabling (not shown), access to batteries anddata cards and without having to remove the camera from the receptacle124. In this orientation, the cameras 180 and more specifically the lensbarrel 182 of each camera 180 are oriented at a predetermined angularposition relative to the center column 112 in a circular fashion along acommon horizontal plane and in which each retained camera 180 has afield of view of about 170 degrees that overlaps a portion of anadjacently retained camera 180 along the defined plane. Each camera 180can be removed or replaced by disengaging the tab portion 130 of theengagement latch 129 from the slot 137 and bending the outer side wall136 upwardly toward the top wall 132. The camera 180 can then bereleased from the opened receptacle 124 for replacement and/or upgrade.

Referring to FIGS. 1( e) and 1(f), the herein described holding assembly100 can include at least one feature that permits attachment to anobject, such as a tripod or connecting rod or support 190, FIG. 1( f)through use of suitable fasteners (not shown) via a threaded opening 194provided at the bottom side of the center axial column 112, FIG. 1( e).Examples of other suitable objects and applications are discussed in alater section. The cameras, as retained by the individual receptacles124 can be linked, such as through cabling (not shown) through theopenings 140 to one another or preferably by wireless control in whicheach of the cameras can be coordinated to operate simultaneously andremotely. The retained cameras are disposed, according to thisembodiment, so as to provide a suitable field of view about the definedplane and in which resulting images obtained through the data cards ofthe cameras can be stitched to create a composite 360 degree sphericalimage.

A holding assembly 200 made in accordance with a second exemplaryembodiment is shown with reference to FIGS. 2( a)-2(d). As in thepreceding, a center supporting fixture 210 (only partially shown)retains a plurality of camera receptacles 224 in a predeterminedconfiguration wherein each camera receptacle 224 is attached to thedistal end of a radial arm (not shown) projecting outwardly from acenter supporting fixture (only partially shown in FIGS. 2( b), 2(c) and2(d). More specifically and according to this exemplary embodiment, five(5) camera receptacles 224 are circumferentially disposed along a common(horizontal as shown herein) plane. It will be readily apparent that thenumber of camera receptacles 224 can easily be varied. The constructionof the camera receptacles 224 is identical to that described in theprior embodiment in which the supporting fixture and the receptacles 224can each be made from a durable and flexible material, such as nylon ora thermoplastic polymer and also wherein the holding assembly 200 can beentirely manufactured as a one-piece assembly using a molding process.Alternatively, the supporting fixture 210 can be constructed accordingto a design such as shown in FIG. 5( a), in which each of thereceptacles 224 can be separately attached or otherwise secured, asshown, for example, in FIGS. 6( a) and 7(a).

More specifically, each camera receptacle 224 is made from a durable andflexible material according to this exemplary embodiment and defined byan open end 226 and an opposing engagement latch 229 that is furtherconnected to a top wall 232 and an outer side wall 236 that combine todefine an enclosure along with an inner side wall 234. As in thepreceding embodiment, the engagement latch 229 depends inwardly from theend of the outer side wall 236 that is opposite the open end 226 and isdefined by a depending tab portion 230 having an outward taper thatreleasably engages a corresponding slot 237 adjacent the inner side wall236. Also and as previously described, the outer side wall 236 includesan opening 244 that is sized to receive the lens barrel (not shown) of aretained photographic camera (not shown) and the top wall 232 alsoincludes an opening 240 enabling access to connecting ports or to thedata card of the retained camera and/or for cabling (not shown).

According to this version, another camera receptacle 224 having similarfeatures is provided at the distal end of the supporting fixture 210 andabove the defined horizontal plane, wherein each of the six camerareceptacles 224 are configured to retain a corresponding photographiccamera at a common radial distance relative to the center of thesupporting fixture 210. In terms of operation, a camera can bereleasably secured within a camera receptacle 224 by releasing theengagement latch 229 and more specifically the tab portion 230 from theslot 237 and bending the flexible flap-like section including the outerside wall 236 outwardly. A camera, such as a GoPro Hero, Hero2, Hero3 orother suitable camera can then be positioned by aligning the back sideof the camera with the inner side wall 234 between the top wall 232 anda lower edge protrusion 247. Once positioned, the outer side wall 236can be placed over the top surface of the camera with the lens barrel ofthe camera extending through the defined opening 244 and in which theengagement latch 229 can be reengaged with the slot 237 in order tosecure the receptacle 224.

Finally, the supporting fixture 210 according to this version furtherincludes a plurality of attachment posts 218, FIG. 2( b), that enableattachment of the holding assembly 200 to an object such as a tripod, aconnecting rod or other mounting apparatus (not shown), the attachmentposts 218 including a center opening 219 to facilitate attachment. Theseposts 218 can extend angularly between the camera receptacles 224.

In use, the five (5) cameras disposed along the common plane (horizontalper the receptacles of FIG. 2( a)) each provide a field of view of 170degrees, which are combined to cover a 360 degree field of view. Theremaining camera disposed out of the common plane provides an additional170 degree field of view across the top of the holding assembly 200 andthereby increases the range of the overall composite spherical image.

A holding assembly 300 according to a third exemplary embodiment isshown in FIGS. 3( a)-3(d). This holding assembly 300 is similarlyprovided with an attachment portion or frame 310 that includes a centeraxial column 312, FIG. 3( e), as well as a plurality of radiallyextending arms 316, FIG. 3( e), and in which the supporting frame 310can further include a plurality of attachment posts 318 having centeropenings 320 that are configured to attach the holding assembly 300 to aconnecting rod or other support, 386, FIG. 3( e). According to thisversion, a total of seven (7) radially extending arms 316, are provided,five of which are disposed along a common horizontal plane with twoadditional arms oppositely disposed above and below the defined plane.Alternative designs changing the number of camera supports can easily berealized. For example and referring to FIG. 3( e), a holder assembly300B includes seven (7) supporting arms 316 disposed about a common(horizontal) plane with single opposed arms being disposed above andbelow the common plane, thereby permitting nine (9) total cameras to besupported. According to yet another alternative version shown in FIG. 3(f), a holding assembly 300A can include seven (7) extending arms alongthe common plane with two (2) additional arms extending below the planeand a single arm extending above the plane, enabling 10 cameras to besupported. In each embodiment, the extending arms 316 include proximalends 317, FIG. 3( e), attached to the axial column 312 and distal ends319, FIG. 3( e), that support a camera receptacle 324. According to thisversion, the camera receptacles 324 are integral elements of thesupporting fixture 310, which can be made from a durable material suchas flexible nylon or a thermoplastic polymer.

The construction of each of the camera receptacles according to thisembodiment and the above-noted alternatives is similar to thatpreviously described in the prior embodiments. More specifically, eachcamera receptacle 324 is made from a durable and flexible materialaccording to this exemplary embodiment and defined by an open end 326and an opposing engagement latch 329 that is further connected to a topwall 332 and an outer side wall 336 that combine to define an enclosurealong with an inner side wall 334. As in the preceding embodiment, theengagement latch 329 depends inwardly from the end of the outer sidewall 336 that is opposite the open end 326 and is defined by a dependingtab portion 330 that releasably engages a slot 337 adjacent the innerside wall 336. Also and as previously described, the outer side wall 336includes an opening 344 that is sized to receive the lens barrel 382,FIG. 3( e) of a retained photographic camera 380, FIG. 3( e) and the topwall 332 also includes an opening 340 enabling access to connectingports or to the data card of the retained camera 380.

A photographic camera 380 can be releasably secured within a camerareceptacle 324 by releasing the engagement latch 329 and morespecifically the tapered tab portion 330 from the slot 337 and bendingthe flexible flap-like section, including the outer side wall 336,outwardly. The camera 380 can then be positioned by aligning the backside of the camera 380 with the inner side wall 334 between the top wall332 and a lower edge protrusion 347. Once positioned, the outer sidewall 336 can be placed over the top surface of the camera 380 with thelens barrel 382 of the camera 380 extending through the defined opening344 and in which the engagement latch 329 can be reattached to the slot337 in order to secure the receptacle 324.

When attached and according to the embodiment of FIGS. 3( a)-3(d), five(5) of the camera receptacles 324 extend along a common (horizontal)plane in a substantially circular or circumferential manner. As noted,this latter parameter can easily be varied, as shown in FIGS. 3( e) and3(f). The remaining two camera receptacles 324 are retained at opposingends of the center axial column 312 wherein each of the defined camerareceptacles 324 are maintained transversely to the primary axis of thecorresponding radially extending arms 316 and/or the center axial column312, respectively. The camera receptacles 324 are maintained at anidentical radial distance from the center of the holding assembly 300,through which the center lines of each camera lens intersect at a commonapex, thereby enabling a composite spherical field of view for aplurality of cameras 380 that are installed releasably into definedenclosures as shown in FIG. 3( e). In this configuration, each of thecameras 380 are defined by a field of view of approximately 170 degrees.The inclusion of all cameras 380, as disclosed, provides an effectivefield of view which is 360 degrees spherically about the holdingassembly 300 and enabling a full 360 degree by 180 degree full sphericalimage. The alternative embodiments shown in FIGS. 3( e) and 3(f) provideincreased resolution due to the inclusion of additional (9 or 10)cameras. This increase in resolution can be dramatic, depending on thepresentation mode of the resulting image output.

Yet another variation of a camera holding assembly 400 is shown withreference to FIGS. 4( a)-4(e) in which a supporting fixture 410(partially shown in FIG. 4( d)) includes a plurality of radiallyextending arms (not shown), as well as attachment posts 418 forengagement with supports 486, such as shown in FIG. 4( e) or othermounting apparatus. According to this version, four (4) camerareceptacles 424 are supported by the radially extending arms at distalends thereof about a common horizontal plane at evenly spaced positions(90 degrees), while two additional camera receptacles 424 are oppositelydisposed at the top and bottom of the holding assembly 400, as shown.Each of the camera receptacles 424 according to this embodiment aredefined similarly to the camera receptacles 124, FIG. 1( a), 224, FIGS.2( a) and 324, FIG. 3( a), previously described and enable releasabilityand secure retention of a photographic camera.

More specifically, a photographic camera 480 such as a GoPro Hero,Hero2, Hero3 or other suitable camera, can be releasably secured withina camera receptacle 424 by releasing a flexible engagement latch 429 andmore specifically the tab portion 430 thereof from a slot 437 adjacentan inner side wall 434 and bending the flexible flap-like section,including the outer side wall 436 outwardly. Each photographic camera480 can then be positioned within the receptacle 424 by placing same inan open end 426 of a defined enclosure of the receptacle 424 andaligning the back side of the camera 480 with the inner side wall 434between a top wall 432 and a parallel and correspondingly spaced loweredge protrusion 247. Once positioned, the outer side wall 436 can beplaced over the top surface of the camera 480 with the lens barrel 482of the camera 480 extending through a defined opening 444 in the outerside wall 436 and in which the engagement latch 429 can be reattached tothe slot 437 in order to secure the receptacle 424.

Referring to FIGS. 5( a)-5(g), another embodiment of an exemplaryholding assembly 500 comprises a plurality of camera receptacles 524that extend outwardly from a center supporting member 510, shown morespecifically in FIGS. 5( b) and 5(g). The supporting member 510 caninclude a plurality of arm portions 514, each arm portion having adistal end that either receives or is integrated with a camerareceptacle 524. According to this embodiment, four (4) arm portions 514project outwardly from a common horizontal plane while two (2) other armportions 514 extend outwardly by the same distance above and below thedefined plane, respectively, at opposed ends of the center supportingmember 510. A proximal end of each extending arm portion 514 can besecured to projecting portions 516 of a camera receptacle 524 using aninterference fit and/or fasteners (not shown). Each camera receptacle524, according to this embodiment, is an open-ended rectangularstructure that is transversely attached relative to the axis of theextending arm 516 to which the camera receptacle 524 is attached usingan interference fit. Alternatively, the camera receptacles 524 can alsobe integral to a corresponding extending arm 516 or attached using othermeans. Each camera receptacle 524 according to this version is sized toaccommodate a photographic camera 580 within a defined retaining cavity532 using an interference fit, the camera 580 having a shape thatsubstantially corresponds to that of the retaining cavity 532. Thesupporting member 510 further includes a plurality of attachment posts519, to enable attachment of the holding assembly 500 to an object ofinterest, such as tripod or connecting rod 586, FIGS. 5( g) and 5(h).

According to this specific embodiment and as noted, a total of six (6)camera receptacles 524 are provided in which four (4) of the camerareceptacles 524 are disposed along a common (horizontal) plane and theremaining two (2) camera receptacles 524 are oppositely disposed at thetop and bottom of the center supporting member 510. As discussedpreviously, the number of receptacles can be suitably varied provided a360 degree plane is established by the retained cameras. The camerareceptacles 524 and the center supporting member 510 can each be madefrom a durable and flexible material, such as nylon or a thermoplasticpolymer which can be molded or otherwise formed.

According to this specific embodiment, the retaining cavity 532 isrectangularly shaped to substantially correspond with the shape of acorresponding photographic camera 580. The retaining cavity 532 isfurther defined with a planar bottom surface (not shown in this view),as well as a set of four peripheral or lateral walls defining anenclosure. Each of the lateral walls includes a height dimension that isconsiderably smaller than the height dimension of the photographiccamera 580 with the exception of one of the walls 550 that includes anupper lip portion 554 that is sized to engage the top surface of thecamera 580 when placed into the retaining cavity 532.

Respective top and multiple side views according to FIGS. 5( c), 5(d)and 5(e) depict the relative positioning of photographic cameras 580 onthe holding assembly 500 at the ends of arm portions 514 of a supportingmember 510 for purposes of releasable retention, as well as capturingimages that can be combined to create a composite 360 degree image. Asshould be noted, the cameras 580 are retained such that the lens barrels582 of each camera 580 in the common plane are commonly aligned with oneanother and all of the retained cameras 580 are disposed outwardly bythe same radial distance from the supporting member 510 in which thecameras are configured, when activated, to produce a 360 degree by 180degree full spherical image.

Yet another version of a holding assembly is shown in FIGS. 6( a)-6(f).Referring to FIG. 6( a), the holding fixture 600 is defined by asupporting member 610. The supporting member 610 shown in FIG. 6( a)illustrates one version with a similar plastic molded version, similarlylabeled, being depicted in FIG. 6( b). Each supporting member 610includes projecting arm portions 616 having distal ends 617 that furtherinclude transverse mounting holes 618 that extend through a spaced pairof engagement end portions 619. A spaced set of attachment posts 613 arefurther provided that extend from the supporting member 610 forselective attachment to a mounting apparatus, such as connecting rod686.

As shown in FIG. 6( c)-6(e), each of the engagement end portions 619 areconfigured to receive a corresponding receptacle 624 that includes acorresponding spaced set of engagement end portions 628, the latter alsohaving a set of transverse mounting holes wherein the engagement endportions 619, 628 are engaged and secured using a threaded fastener thatis inserted through the aligned transverse mounting holes 618. Thereceptacles 624 according to this version enable securement offluidically sealed cases 660 that retain a photographic camera 680, suchas a GoPro Hero model photographic camera wherein the receptacles areconfigured with engagement features that enable attachment to the rearside of a sealed case, such as those manufactured by GoPro. The cases orhousings 660 are made from a plastic transparent material that isfluidically sealed.

FIGS. 6( d)-6(f) further illustrate the connectivity of the photographiccameras to the supporting member 610 and in which six (6) cameras aresupported according to the embodiments shown by engagement of the sealedcases 660 containing the cameras 680 with the receptacles 624 and inwhich the cases 660 are releasably attached. As shown herein, four (4)of the photographic cameras 680 are disposed along a common horizontalplane, while individual cameras 680 are further supported above andbelow the common plane, respectively, thereby defining a spherical fieldof view of 360 degrees using this holder assembly 600. FIG. 6( f)illustrates an underwater version that includes an adaptive elementattached to each of the sealed cases 660, which is discussed in greaterdetail in a later portion of this disclosure.

An alternative set of cameras are shown as attached directly withoutprotective cases or housings according to FIG. 6( g). In this version,the supporting member 610 and the extending engagement end portions 619are coupled to a receptacle 670 having a first part 671 that includes acorresponding set of spaced engagement end portions 673 configured tomesh with the spaced end portions 619 of each projecting end portion 619when aligned and having a mounting hole 675. The end portions 673 dependdownwardly from an upper surface 674 at one end that further includes adownwardly depending edge 677 at an opposite end of the upper surface674. The upper surface 674 is provided with a width dimension that issized to engage the corresponding width dimension of a supported camera680 between the downwardly depending portions 673 and 677. A second part676 of the receptacle 670 is defined by a projecting portion 679 havinga mounting hole 681 and a planar front surface 683 for engaging the rearside of the camera 680. When assembled, the end portion 619 of one ofthe projecting arms 613 of the supporting member 610 is engaged with theengagement end portions 673 of the first part 671 of the receptacle 670.A threaded fastener (not shown in this view) is then engaged with thecoaligned mounting holes 618, 675 of the meshed components, the threadedfastener having a sufficient length to further engage the mounting hole681 of the second part 676 and secure the entire receptacle 670 to thesupporting member 610. A camera 680 is then engaged releasably by way ofan interference fit between the downwardly depending portions of theupper surface 674 of the first part 671 of the camera receptacle 670 andagainst the front planar surface of the second part 676 of thereceptacle 670.

Yet another version of a holding fixture in accordance with the presentinvention is herein described with regard to FIGS. 7( a)-7(g). FIG. 7(a) illustrates the holding assembly 700 that is defined by a centersupporting member 710 having a plurality of projecting end portions 716.The extending or distal ends 717 of the projecting end portions 716include receptacles 724. In addition, a plurality of spaced openings 719are further provided at predetermined peripheral portions of the centersupporting member 710 that are sized for receiving a connecting rod 786(partially shown) or other mounting apparatus. In the version shown, atotal of six (6) projecting end portions 716 are provided, four (4) ofwhich are provided on a common (horizontal) plane and wherein theremaining two (2) projecting end portions 716 are provided at opposingends of the center supporting member 710 above and below the commonplane.

The receptacles 724 according to this embodiment are defined by an arm725 that extends transversely relative to the axis of the projecting armportion 716. The arm 725 is cantilevered from the projecting end portion716 and includes an outwardly projecting engagement end portion 727having a set of parallel spaced plates 728 with an aligned mounting hole729 extending therethrough.

As shown in FIGS. 7 (b) through 7(g), the attachment of the receptacles724 is more clearly shown relative to a set of photographic cameras 780to be supported and retained in a fixed relationship. As in the priorembodiment and for purposes of this embodiment, the cameras 780 areenclosed in either a sealed case 760, as shown in FIGS. 7( c), 7(d) and7(g), or alternatively within an open-ended enclosure 750 that forms anadditional part of the receptacle 724, the latter version being shown inFIGS. 7( e) and 7(f). In each instance, the engagement end portion 727of the arm 725 is configured to engage a corresponding end portion 770of either the sealed case 760 or the enclosure 750, the engagement endportion 770 having a set of parallel spaced plates 774 and an alignedmounting hole 777 that receives the engagement end portion 727 andallows securement through the meshed components through the mountingholes 729, 777 using a threaded fastener 779, FIG. 7( g).

Various adaptive apparatus can be utilized in combination with theherein described holding assemblies, as previously discussed in regardto cameras previously shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 that are provided in aprotective (e.g., sealed) case or housing. With reference to FIGS. 8( a)and 8(b), another form of adaptive apparatus permits use of a holdingassembly in an aquatic environment. This latter adaptive apparatus isalso referred to throughout as a “dome converter”, whose primary purposeis to negate the refractive effects upon the field of view of eachretained camera when a holding assembly is used underwater.

As is known under Snell's Law, light is refracted when passing throughdifferent media, such as water. The effect of water can conceivablyreduce the effective field of view by as much as 40 percent. Theadaptive apparatus 800 is releasably coupled to a camera that is placedwithin a waterproof case or housing 860 and attached to a receptacle ofa holding assembly 800, as shown in FIG. 9. The adaptive apparatus 800includes an outer semi-spherical dome member 810 having a curvature of180 degrees. The dome member 810 is made from a optically transparentmaterial such as modeled optical glass, a polymer such as Pleixglas andthe like.

Referring to FIGS. 8( a)-8(c), the adaptive apparatus 800 furtherincludes an interchangeable filter 820, an outer filter housing 830 anda sealing member 840, such as an O-ring. The interchangeable filter 820may be a clear glass or a suitable color filter. A user may use eitherclear or color filters depending on certain environments. The outerfilter housing supports the dome member 810 and the interchangeablefilter 820. The sealing member 840 seals the dome member 810 and theouter filter housing 830 in order to prevent the occurrence of leaks.

In accordance with this embodiment, an attachable housing adapter 850may also be used to attach the dome converter 800 to the front of acamera housing 860. In certain embodiments, the attachable housingadapter 850 can be attached to the camera housing 860 using threads orby means of a snap-engagement. In embodiments such as shown in FIG. 9,the attachable housing adapter 850 may be configured for attachment tothe front side of a sealed case or housing 860 retaining a photographiccamera (not shown).

According to the present embodiment, the adaptive apparatus 800 includesa set of external threads 814 at the base of the dome member 810. Thesethreads 814 are configured for threaded engagement with a correspondingset of threads 832 that are provided on an inner peripheral surface 836provided within the outer filter housing 830. According to thisembodiment and referring to FIG. 8( c), the outer filter housing 830further includes a set of external threads 839 provided on an outerperipheral surface 838 for engaging internal threads 853 of the housingadapter 850.

The interchangeable filter 820 is a disk-like member that is insetwithin a groove 817 provided adjacent the base of the dome member 810with the sealing member 840. Advantageously, the interchangeable filter820 and the sealing member 840 are sized to fit within the groove 817and assist in preventing external water pressure from collapsing thedome member 810, and thereby further increasing the effect of thesealing member 840.

Once the dome member 810 is threadingly attached to the outer filterhousing 830, the outer filter housing 830 can then be threadinglyattached according to this embodiment to the attachable housing adapter850 after which the housing adapter 850 may then be attached to thefront of the camera housing 860.

A plurality of adaptive apparatus 800 as herein described can be used inconjunction with a holding assembly, such as those previously described.Referring to FIG. 9, an adaptive apparatus 800 is attached to each ofthe camera housings 860 supported by a holding assembly 900 similar tothose previously described and including a support member 910 thatincludes a plurality of projecting arm portions 916 having engagementend portions 917 that are further configured to engage corresponding endportions of a corresponding receptacle 940 attached thereto and whereinthe receptacle is configured to engage the rear side of a camera housing860. For purposes of this embodiment, the connectivity between the endportions of the supporting member and the receptacle and the receptaclewith the camera housing is similar to that previously described withregard to FIGS. 6( a)-6(f). Each of the dome converters 800 are attachedto the outward facing sides of the supported camera housings 860 inwhich four cameras are disposed along a common (horizontal) plane withcameras being respectively disposed above and below the defined plane,and enabling a 360 degree×180 degree full spherical composite image tobe created of a scene of interest. The supporting member 910 furtherincludes multiple attachment posts to permit a myriad of mountingarrangements.

In each of the herein described embodiments, the cameras can be easilyremoved from the receptacles of the holder assembly and used for otherpurposes. The connecting rods or other members disposed between thesupporting member of the holding assembly and the supported cameras cansuitably vary in length to permit the assembly to be used for expansionand/or a plurality of different photographic/video applications.

The invention may also include other mounting points other than just thesnap-in receptacles, allowing the cameras to beremovable/replaceable/upgradeable, and wherein the connecting rodsbetween the camera and body of the holder assembly can be variable inlength. Providing at least one and more preferably at least three (3)mounting points permits an operator to be hidden at different distancesin the eventual (final) video due to camera viewing parallax.

Reference is herein made to FIGS. 10( a)-10(d), which relates to aversion in which at least one holding assembly can be used in an aerialenvironment. More specifically, an apparatus 1000 is provided thatincludes a plurality of arms 1004 extending outwardly from a centerhousing 1008. According to this version, the distal end of eachextending arm 1004 receives a photographic camera housing 1080, such asthose configured for retaining a GoPro Hero, Hero2, Hero3 or othersuitable camera and as previously discussed herein. According to thisspecific embodiment, a total of six (6) camera housings 1080 areindividually disposed at evenly spaced sixty (60) degree intervals aboutthe center housing 1008. It will be readily understood that additionalcameras could be added and that this embodiment is merely exemplary. Theholding assembly 1000 in accordance with this embodiment furtherincludes a plurality of rotor assemblies 1050 disposed along a commonplane, as shown in FIG. 10( c) that are disposed in a circular patternabout the center housing 1008, each of the rotor assemblies 1050 beingindividually attached to the ends of connecting supports 1054 commonlyextending from the center housing 1008. According to this version, atotal of six (6) rotor assemblies 1050 are provided in a circumferentialpattern about the center housing 1008.

The photographic cameras 1080 are angularly supported above and belowthe center housing 1008 and the rotor assemblies 1050 in which three (3)cameras shown herein in protective casings or housings 1080 are disposedat 120 degree intervals to one another above the rotor assemblies 1050and an additional three (3) cameras, also provided in casings orhousings 1080 are disposed below the rotor assemblies 1050. Each of theextending arms 1004 include an engagement end portion 1007 that isconfigured to engage a receptacle 1040 similar to that shown in FIG. 6(c), in which the receptacle 1040 is configured to engage the rear sideof the protective and sealed camera housing 1080 retaining thephotographic camera, such as GoPro Hero, Hero2, Hero3 or other suitablecamera. In total, the camera housings 1080 of this assembly 1000 combineto define a full spherical 360 degree×180 degree field of view in theabove-defined configuration. The herein described assembly 1000 can beused to capture images in an aerial environment wherein the output fromeach of the cameras disposed in the housings 1080 can be obtained andstitched to the images obtained by each of the remaining supportedcameras 1080 to create a composite 360 degree by 180 degree fullspherical image. In terms of its operation, the rotor assemblies 1050and each of the retained cameras can be controlled wirelessly throughcommands made to the center housing 1008 via cabling (not shown) fromthe center housing 1008 to the supported cameras or by synching each ofthe cameras to a single wireless remote control (not shown).

Alternative versions are shown in FIGS. 11( a)-11(c). In the embodimentof FIG. 11( a), a drone-like apparatus 1100 capable of flight includes adepending lower arm 1120 that retains a holding assembly 1150, similarto that depicted in FIGS. 2( a)-2(e), in which a 360 degree field ofview can be achieved using a plurality of supported cameras 1180.

In the version shown in FIG. 11( b), a center housing 1142 is connectedby arms 1145 to separate rotor assemblies 1148 disposed 120 degrees fromone another on a common horizontal plane and attached using supports1051. Respective camera holding assemblies 1170, similar to those shownin FIGS. 2( a)-2(d) are fixedly attached above and below this plane byconnective rods (not shown) in which the cameras are all commonlyretained within individually disposed receptacles. The cameras 1180retained by the holding assemblies 1170 are disposed such that a full360 degree view is achieved, but in which the rotor assemblies 1148 arepositioned in “blind spots” that cannot be seen by the retained cameras1180.

The version depicted in FIG. 11( c) includes a center housing 1168 thatis connected by arms 1164 to corresponding rotor assemblies 1168.According to this specific embodiment, a total of four (4) rotorassemblies 1168 are disposed along a common plane, each equally spacedin 90 degree intervals in a circumferential manner about the centerhousing 1168. Respective holding assemblies 1170, similar to thosepreviously discussed with reference to FIGS. 2( a)-2(d), are disposed onarms extending directly above and below the center housing 1168 andretain a plurality of cameras 1180.

The overall effect from video taken from the retained cameras 1180 ineach of the above exemplary embodiments is that of an apparent levitatedaerial scene. Other suitable configurations can further be utilized. Thenumber of rotor assemblies, as supported in any assembly, can easily bevaried depending on the application. The placement of the holdingassemblies can also be varied depending, for example, on the number ofrotor assemblies that are used and their relative distance from thecenter housing. For instance and as is apparent from the foregoingexamples, the number of rotor assemblies can be easily varied.

As noted, the various designs of holding assemblies that can be providedin accordance with the plug and play concepts discussed herein is notlimited to the above described examples. That is, a myriad of othervariations are possible depending, for example, upon the imageresolution that is desired and in which additional cameras can bedisposed and supported in a number of ways.

In addition, the types of applications and mounting arrangement that theholding assemblies is also limitless. For example, a head-worn holdingapparatus is depicted in FIG. 12 in which a holding assembly 1210, suchas previously shown in FIG. 2( a) can be mounted to the top of a cyclinghelmet 1220. Other variations can easily be contemplated.

According to other exemplary embodiments and referring to FIGS. 13-14, astereoscopic imaging effect can be realized using the concepts describedherein using a holding assembly, such as shown as 1300, FIG. 14. Firstand referring to FIG. 13, a comparative view is made between a camerahousing 1302 in which the lens barrel as represented by the port 1319would be aligned at the center line shown as 1314. A separate protectivecamera housing 1330 shown beneath the housing 1302 is designed such thatthe center line 1314 extends between a pair of tandem enclosures thatare mirrored about the center line 1314 and in which the lens barrelsthat would be aligned with respective ports 1335 would be in directproximity with one another about the center line 1314. As a result ofthis orientation, stereoscopic (left eye/right eye) imaging can resultwith an enhanced depth of field being produced.

The holding assembly 1300 includes a support member (not shown) having aplurality of radially extending arms, each of the arms having endengagement portions that are configured to fixedly retain protectivecamera housings 1330, as described above, in a preferred orientation.The configuration shown includes a total of 12 cameras in 6 housings,supported by the radially extending arms of the support member.According to this version, (4) four camera housings 1330 are disposed ona common (e.g., horizontal) plane with single and opposing tandem camerahousings 1330 being disposed above and below the defined plane. As aresult, a total of twelve (12) cameras are supported according to thisembodiment, producing a combined set of images having a depth of fieldthat creates 3-dimensional 360 degree by 180 degree full sphericalimages. It should be noted that the number of tandem camera housings orcameras provided in tandem can be varied.

According to another variation and with reference to FIGS. 15( a)-15(d),a holding assembly 1500 can be provided that retains individual camerasto provide the above-noted stereoscopic imaging effect. Morespecifically, the holding assembly 1500 can be entirely made from adurable lightweight material such as nylon or other flexiblethermoplastic polymer as a one-piece assembly, the material havingsufficient stiffness for enabling stable retention of a plurality ofcameras as discussed in greater detail infra.

According to this embodiment, a plurality of camera receptacles 1524 aredisposed. The receptacles 1524 are specifically arranged aboutrespective sides of the holding assembly 1500 wherein each receptacle isdefined by an open end 1526, a back wall 1532, an inner side wall 1534and an outer side wall 1536 that is substantially parallel to the innerside wall 1534. Opposite the back wall 1532 and disposed against theinner side wall 1534 is an edge protrusion or stop 1547. In passing, itshould be noted that the terms “back”, “inner” and “outer” are forpurposes of this embodiment and in accordance with the views as theyappear. The specific features of each camera receptacle 1524 defines anenclosure having an interior that is sized to receive a photographiccamera 180, FIG. 1( e). One specific camera that can be specificallyused herein is a GoPro™ Hero3™ camera sold by Woodman Labs, Inc, whichis capable of capturing still photographs or video and in which thecamera's operation can be controlled remotely, including wirelessly.

An integral engagement latch 1529 depends laterally and inwardly fromthe end of the outer side wall 136 opposite the open end 1526 of thecamera receptacle 1524. This engagement latch 1529 includes a dependingtab portion 1530 having an outwardly tapering configuration at one endthat releasably engages a slot 1537 provided adjacent the inner sidewall 1534.

The outer side wall 136, according to this embodiment, is a partial wallsection extending over only a portion of the length of the inner sidewall which further includes an opening 1544. The back wall 1532 alsoincludes a through opening 140.

Each of the receptacles 1536 are arranged in pairs according to thisembodiment. More specifically, six (6) pairs of linearly disposedreceptacles are provided along each of four lateral sides, a top sideand a bottom side of the defined holding assembly 1500. In each formedpair, the back walls 1532 of each receptacle 1524 are aligned andadjacent to one another with the open ends 1526 being oppositelydisposed. Each of the lateral side pairs according to FIG. 15( a) isdisposed vertically and each of the top and bottom pairs aretransversely disposed and in a horizontal configuration.

In terms of operation, the engagement latches 1529 of each receptacleare disengaged from the slots 1537 and the flap-like section includingthe outer side wall 1536 is pulled to open the defined enclosure. Thecameras can then be placed into the receptacle through the open end 1526and engaged between the back wall 1532, inner side wall 1534 and theedge protrusion 1547, the enclosure therein defined being sized foraccommodating the camera. The outer side wall 1536 is then pulled overthe front surface of the camera in which the opening 1540 is sized toaccommodate the lens barrel 182, FIG. 1( a) of the camera. Theengagement latch 1529 can then be reengaged with the slot 1537, therebyreleasably securing the receptacle 1524. In this embodiment, a pair ofcameras is retained such that the lens barrels of each camera isdisposed in fairly close proximity akin to that shown by the tandemhousing and center line 1314 of FIG. 13. A total of twelve cameras areretained wherein the tandem arrangement within the pairs of receptaclespermits stereoscopic imaging over a 360 degree by 180 degree fullspherical field of view and in which composite 3-D images can beobtained.

Use of the herein described camera holding assemblies is described withreference to an exemplary work flow depicted in FIG. 16. Morespecifically, this workflow defines synchronization of a plurality ofcameras that are retained within any of the holding assembliespreviously described herein, as well as stitching of the various images(still or moving) that are captured by the retained cameras. Accordingto this embodiment, the output of each of the retained cameras (N) inthe holding assembly, such as fixture 100, FIG. 1( a), are removed, suchas the camera's data cards, and in which each card is loaded into thememory of a computer. This stored output is linked to a video filemanager which controls directory and filenames of the individual cameravideo files to a specific folder and filenames which coordinate to eachcamera. In this block after the file management is organized the (N)cameras are time synched together via sound or video motion. In thisblock using audio and or video motion, each video is matched to oneanother to an extra frame by frame match. Next and in this block, thevarious images are each tagged via the filename and opened within thegiven directory. The output of each camera is displayed separately andarranged based upon the (N) in a variety of different stitchingconditions to manage the camera placements. Based upon the stitchingpatterns given the (N) number of cameras, the output is merged into asingle 360 video file or multiple 360 photos. Each photos from theoutput represents each video frame taken from the input video. Forexample, if the video was shot at 48 frames per second, then the outputwill be 48 individual photos from (N) cameras merged into the finalvideo via ordered image number sequencing Video stitching is thenconducted using software, for example that provided by Loop-In using asoftware package sold under the tradename of Video-Stitch. Othersuitable software programs such as those marketed by Kolor can also beused, among others.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates merely toexemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as setforth in the following claims.

PARTS LIST FOR FIGS. 1(a)-16

-   100 holding assembly-   110 supporting fixture or member-   112 center axial column-   116 radial or radially extending arms-   117 proximal end-   119 distal end-   124 camera receptacle-   126 open end-   129 engagement latch-   130 tab portion-   132 top wall-   134 inner side wall-   136 outer side wall-   137 slot-   140 opening-   144 opening-   147 edge protrusion or stop-   180 photographic camera-   182 lens barrel, camera-   190 support or rod-   194 opening-   200 holding assembly-   210 supporting member-   218 attachment posts-   219 center opening-   224 camera receptacle-   226 open end-   229 engagement latch-   230 tab portion-   232 top wall-   234 inner side wall-   236 outer side wall-   237 slot-   240 opening-   244 opening-   247 edge protrusion-   300 holding assembly-   310 supporting frame or portion-   312 center axial column-   316 radially extending arms-   317 proximal end-   318 attachment posts-   319 distal end-   320 center opening-   324 camera receptacle-   326 open end-   329 engagement latch-   330 tab portion-   332 top wall-   334 inner side wall-   336 outer side wall-   337 slot-   340 opening-   344 opening-   347 edge protrusion-   380 photographic camera-   382 lens barrel-   386 support-   400 holding assembly-   410 supporting member-   424 camera receptacles-   429 engagement latch-   432 top wall-   434 inner side wall-   436 outer side wall-   440 opening-   442 opening-   447 edge protrusion-   480 photographic cameras-   482 lens barrel-   486 attachment posts-   500 holding assembly-   510 supporting member-   514 arm portions-   516 projecting portions-   524 camera receptacles-   532 retaining cavity-   550 lateral wall-   554 upper lip portion-   580 photographic camera-   586 connecting rod-   600 holding assembly-   610 supporting member-   613 attachment posts-   616 arm portions-   617 distal ends-   618 transverse mounting holes-   619 engagement end portions-   624 camera receptacles-   630 retaining cavity-   633 upper edge-   660 sealed cases-   670 receptacle-   671 first part-   673 downwardly depending portions-   674 upper surface-   675 mounting hole, first part-   676 second part-   677 downwardly depending edge-   679 projecting portion-   680 photographic camera-   681 mounting hole-   682 lens-   683 planar front surface-   686 connecting rod-   700 holding assembly-   710 center supporting member-   716 projecting arm portions-   717 distal ends-   719 openings-   724 camera receptacles-   725 arm-   727 engagement end portion-   728 spaced plates-   729 mounting hole-   750 enclosure-   760 sealed case-   770 engagement end portion-   777 mounting hole-   779 threaded fastener-   780 photographic camera-   782 lens-   786 connecting rod-   800 adaptive apparatus (dome converter)-   810 dome member-   814 threads-   817 groove-   820 interchangeable filter-   830 outer filter housing-   832 threads, internal-   836 inner peripheral surface-   838 outer peripheral surface-   839 external threads-   840 sealing member-   850 attachable housing adapter-   853 threads, internal-   860 camera housing-   900 holding apparatus-   910 supporting member, center-   916 arm portions-   917 engagement end portions-   940 receptacles-   1000 apparatus-   1004 arms-   1007 engagement end portions-   1008 center housing-   1040 receptacles-   1050 rotor assemblies-   1054 connecting supports-   1080 photographic camera housings-   1100 drone-like apparatus-   1120 lower arm-   1142 center housing-   1145 arms-   1148 rotor assemblies-   1150 holding assemblies-   1151 supports-   1160 center housing-   1164 connecting arms-   1168 rotor assemblies-   1170 holding assemblies-   1180 photographic cameras-   1200 helmet-   1240 holding assembly-   1280 photographic cameras-   1300 holding assembly-   1302 camera housing-   1314 center line-   1319 port-   1330 camera housing-   1335 ports-   1500 camera holding assembly-   1524 camera receptacle-   1526 open end-   1529 engagement latch-   1530 tab portion-   1532 top wall-   1534 inner side wall-   1536 outer side wall-   1537 slot-   1540 opening-   1544 opening-   1547 edge protrusion or stop

It will be readily apparent that other variations and modifications arepossible in addition to the numerous examples discussed herein that willbe readily apparent in accordance with the following claims.

1. A holding assembly configured to releasably retain a plurality ofcameras in a predetermined orientation, said holding assemblycomprising: a support; a plurality of receptacles disposed radiallyabout said support, each of said receptacles being configured forreleasably retaining a photographic camera and having at least onefeature for enabling the camera to be removed from the receptaclewherein the receptacles are oriented about said support such that eachcamera provides a different field of view, the cameras being disposed tocreate either a 360 degree by 180 degree full spherical composite imageor a 360 degree composite image.
 2. A holding assembly as recited inclaim 1, wherein said support includes a plurality of radially extendingarms and in which a receptacle is retained at a distal end of each arm.3. A holding assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein the receptacles areintegral to the support.
 4. A holding assembly as recited in claim 2,wherein at least some of said camera receptacles are oriented about acommon plane.
 5. A holding assembly as recited in claim 1, wherein eachsaid camera receptacle is defined by an enclosure having a releasablysecurable latch, enabling the enclosure to be selectively opened andclosed about a camera retained therein.
 6. A holding assembly as recitedin claim 1, including a plurality of camera receptacles disposed withina common spherical plane and at least one camera receptacle disposedabove or below the common spherical plane.
 7. A holding assembly asrecited in claim 1, including at least one adaptive member attachable toa secured photographic camera to enable use underwater.
 8. A method forenabling capture of 360 degree images of a scene of interest, saidmethod comprising: providing a holding assembly having a support, thesupport including a plurality of receptacles, in which each receptacleis configured for receiving at least one camera body and disposing eachsaid receptacle in a specific angular or spherical orientation in whicha composite 360 image can be obtained.
 9. A method as recited in claim8, in which the support has a plurality of arms that radially extendfrom a support body and in which a said receptacle is disposed at thedistal end of each arm.
 10. A method as recited in claim 8, includingthe step of supporting a plurality of cameras within a common sphericalplane.
 11. A method as recited in claim 9, wherein at least one of thearms is configured to radially extend or contract relative to an initialradial position.
 12. A method as recited in claim 8, wherein the camerareceptacles are integral to the support.
 13. A method as recited inclaim 9, wherein the camera receptacles are attached to the distal endof each arm.
 14. A system for creating 360 degree images of a scene ofinterest, the system comprising: a holding assembly configured toreleasably retain a plurality of cameras in a predetermined orientation,the holding assembly comprising: a supporting frame; a plurality ofreceptacles disposed radially about the supporting frame, each of saidreceptacles having a receiving cavity sized to accommodate a camerawherein the receptacles are oriented about said frame such that eachcamera, when loaded into the receptacles provides a different field ofview, the cameras being disposed to create a 360 degree by 180 degreefull spherical composite image or a 360 degree composite image.
 15. Asystem as recited in claim 14, in which the holding assembly includes atleast one feature enabling the camera to be releasably retained within asaid receptacle.
 16. A system as recited in claim 14, further comprisingat least one attachment feature configured for enabling the holdingassembly to be secured to another object.
 17. A system as recited inclaim 16, wherein the holding assembly includes at least three spacedattachment features.
 18. A system as recited in claim 15, wherein eachof the receptacles are integral to the supporting frame.
 19. A system asrecited in claim 15, wherein the receptacles are secured to thesupporting frame using fasteners.
 20. A system as recited in claim 16,in which the receptacles are defined by an enclosure having a latch thatenables a portion of the enclosure to be selectively opened and closedabout a retained camera.